The use of science to enhance agricultural output has been attacked on nearly every front for quite some time. There have been patent and licensing disputes on the seeds from which crops are grown. But while there has been no legitimate suggestion that such GMO foods are unsafe, other concerns about food supply practices may have some merit.
Farmers seek simplified processes. Anything that helps them to become more efficient with their time is very valuable. That’s led to the development of herbicide-resistant strains of crops, bio-engineered to permit farmers to spray herbicide on the their fields to kill weeds with little worry about reducing crop yield.
On the other hand, increasing occupational exposure to glyphosates requires attention to how they interact with inert, non-weedkilling chemicals. Some researchers have suggested that high levels of glyphosates interact with the human stomach and intestines in unpredictable and potentially damaging ways.Just as it is incumbent upon health professionals not to overprescribe antibiotics, we should similarly ensure that the unintentional effects of farming practices reliant upon GMOs do not become deleterious to human health.
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Read the full, original article: In our opinion: GMOs not harmful to human health, but further research into farming practices necessary
